Wonder Lake open for boating

By NORTHWEST HERALD

WONDER LAKE – The Master Property Owners Association has restricted use of the lake to just boating because of the health risks associated with toxic algae.

On Saturday, the association revised its decision to close the lake for all recreational uses, including boating. The closure, which was issued Friday afternoon, was prompted by an advisory alert from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

The state agency sent a notice about high concentrations of toxins from blue-green algae found in some northern Illinois lakes. High concentrations of blue-green algae can produce toxins that could pose a health risk to people and animals.

The health effects are possible when water containing the toxins is swallowed, comes in contact with skin or when airborne droplets containing the toxins are inhaled while swimming, boating, waterskiing, tubing bathing or showering, according to the IEPA.